Imagine two toilets for public use. One sits beside a busy playground for the community and sports complex. The other is at the trailhead’s remote location, surrounded by vast open space.
They both provide the exact same service. But when you design them to be identical structures, they will not function in the exact same way.
Image credit: romtec.com
The best public restrooms start with the site. Who can use the facilities? How many people can arrive at the same time? What are the services offered? How far do visitors need to take a walk? What is the architectural style that surrounds the structure?
These answers will determine most of the choices that follow.
It is possible to start by observing how users use the site.
The positioning of restrooms should not be considered in isolation from the rest a park. When a facility is a sport, visitors may arrive in large groups during activities and games. A restroom serving playgrounds needs to be conveniently located for families and fit comfortably within the pedestrian flow. In urban settings the space of sidewalk restrooms may be smaller and they may need to be complemented by other features of the streetscape.
The building is only a small part of the overall experience. Location is influenced by surrounding area accessibility, access, and other activities.
Remote Sites Create a Different Problem
The project should be moved away from the paved street and utility infrastructure. It is possible to not connect a scenic overlook and/or trailhead with the standard sewer system. When properly utilized, vault toilets can provide an alternative to traditional plumbing infrastructure in areas that are difficult or unpractical.
It alters the conversation about design. Teams working on projects do not need decide on a structure prior to looking at the site and deciding which restroom system will work most effectively.
Capacity must reflect real-world use
A park in a peaceful neighborhood or a sports facility regionally do not have the same types of patrons. Demand for peak hours is crucial. It’s not enough just to be in good shape on the afternoon of a Tuesday.
Owners can design their building around the need for the restroom, considering its capacity, layout and fixtures, along with access for maintenance.
For organizations researching prefabricated park restroom buildings, flexibility can be particularly valuable because the building can be configured around the project’s requirements instead of forcing the site to accommodate a predetermined model.
Architecture is still a part of the conversation
The appearance of a restroom is crucial, however it shouldn’t be overlooked because its purpose is much more crucial. A public bathroom is a part of the natural landscape. Forms of roofs, sidings, colors, masonry, fixtures, and other architectural details could help to connect it with nearby pavilions, concession buildings and natural surroundings or an established design theme for a community.
Romtec’s unique approach to project management allows teams to mix different designs, materials, colors and exterior styles rather than being limited to one standard appearance.
Design for the Space not just the purpose
Romtec works with park owners contractors, park owners, as well as landscape architects to create, design, and install public restrooms. The company’s experience includes building documentation codes, building documentation, ADA considerations, engineering, component selection, and construction across the United States.
The important starting point, but it’s surprisingly simple. Start with asking about the restrooms you could build on your site. Know the location, people, and the activities that already exist. Create the building that belongs there.
